Elected Officials

CHIEF DEPUTY CLERK AGREES TO TAKE MODIFIED ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

CHIEF DEPUTY CLERK AGREES TO TAKE MODIFIED ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE

2002-09-03 00:00

Doña Ana County Manager David R. King has announced that Chief Deputy Clerk Aurelio Enriquez has agreed to a modified, indefinite form of administrative leave pending the outcome of a grand jury indictment. The leave agreement is effective immediately.

Under the leave agreement, Enriquez has agreed to remain available for consultation as needed, including reporting to the office upon request.

“This is a unique situation,” King said. “While we subscribe to the belief that Mr. Enriquez is innocent until proven guilty, we recognize the need to show the public that we take the process seriously. We also, however, know that we have an obligation to the public to make sure that smooth operations will continue in the clerk’s office. This agreement takes Mr. Enriquez out of the office except in particular instances where his institutional knowledge is necessary for smooth operations. He will take some administrative work home with him, and he will be available to the staff by phone. He will not, however, retain keys to the Courthouse or the Bureau of Elections Office. If his assistance is needed in person, arrangements will be made to make sure the public’s interests are protected.”

King said administrative leave is a management tool that lends itself to situations such as this.

“We’re eager to work with Mr. Enriquez to safeguard his reputation while this matter works its way through the courts,” King said. “We will operate until that time on the presumption of innocence, but with the safeguards that a modified administrative leave agreement offers to all the parties.”

King said he is not authorized by the state Constitution or statutes to take any action with regard to County Clerk Ruben Ceballos, who also is under indictment. King said the courts will have to make any determinations regarding Ceballo’s access to his office and/or staff.

For more information, call county Public Information Director Jess Williams at (505) 647-7229. Residents calling from outside the Las Cruces area may call toll-free at 1-877-827-7200 and request extension 7229.